Sep

23

2021

BEING THE TEXT OF H.E BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN AT THE 27TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS AND HOUSING HELD AT THE COMMAND GUEST HOUSE, BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE ON THURSDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2021

It is a very exciting homecoming for me to return to Bauchi State, named after the ancient and historic Emirate of Bauchi, the home of the Yankari Game Reserve, a great gift of nature to Nigeria.

But Bauchi is not just home to Yankari, it is home to some very great and inimitable patriots who have served our country.

Perhaps Bauchi’s most famous son is Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, but Bauchi also gave Nigeria the Katagums, the Giades, the Toros, the Ahmeds, the Yugudas and so many other illustrious sons and daughters who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.

Of course we could not have this event here today without the support and commitment of another Bauchi son, who has followed the path of his illustrious predecessors in public service.

I speak of none other than our chief host HE Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, former Minister of the Federal Capital and now Governor of Bauchi State.

Your Excellency, I bring to you and the people of Bauchi the goodwill of the Federal Government and the best wishes of President Muhammadu Buhari and thank you for accepting to host this National Council.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the theme chosen for this year‘s council is “Infrastructure delivery, The Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity” and I hope it would help all of us focus on, not just the importance of the investment in infrastructure, but more importantly on the maintenance of infrastructure, the economy around maintenance and sustainable and long lasting jobs that are created through maintenance.

Since the implementation of the Marshall plan in 1948, after the Second World War, it has become clear to any serious minded economist or politician that infrastructure provision is critical to development, growth, wealth creation, employment and prosperity.

I have said and I will repeat it here, that infrastructure investment is the most legitimate way to distribute wealth in any economy.

This is why it is not surprising that during campaigns for elections and after elections, you will find discussions not only centering around roads, bridges, rails, schools, hospitals, water supply and power supply to be provided, you will also find that in the inauguration speech of every President, Prime Minister, Governor and other elected public officers, time is dedicated to addressing the provision of infrastructure.

I am sure our host will recall that he made similar commitments in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2019:

“…at the core of this mandate is the crucial drive to give Bauchi State citizens a better prospect and greater opportunity for a prosperous life. Reducing poverty and empowering our citizens in the areas of Agriculture, Education, urban and rural infrastructure among others.”

The reason for this is not far-fetched. The nations that are richer than us have more infrastructure than us and in order to bridge this gap we have to invest; because no nation or community can grow bigger than the stock of infrastructure.

Infrastructure also helps to make people efficient, it creates competition and leads to productivity. Currently the Federal Government is executing 895 contracts in 795 projects spanning over 13,000 km of roads and bridges nationwide.

Across all of these, engineers, geologists, surveyors, lawyers, bankers, suppliers, artisans and laborers are involved in an ecosystem of enterprise from which they earn a daily, weekly or other periodic income.

But that is only part of the story, the employment. The other parts include improved asset value, because everywhere a new road or bridge is built, the land value appreciates by up to 30% creating enormous capital gain.

On the completed sections of the roads, journeys that used to take days now take only a few hours, journeys that took hours are now reduced to minutes; and if it is true that time is money, clearly reduced journey times currently being delivered across Nigerian roads is money either through savings on journeys and fuel cost, or utilization of time saved for other productive activities, not to mention the Health benefits attributable to shorter travel time and reduced stress.

So when President Buhari committed on June 12, 2019 to taking 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years, his vision was not a Federal Government vision but a national one, which has started with the work being undertaken in all states and FCT and to which the Federal Government is contributing through infrastructure.

In the pursuit of this National vision, I urge all of us to embrace the more wholistic view and definition of poverty as not only the number of jobs, or amount of cash, but also well-being, efficiency and the lack of access.

For example if a one-hour journey takes six hours even in the best car, or land value is stagnant because it lacks an access road, the reversal of these situations by improved journey time or provision of access roads are steps towards prosperity.

Similarly, all those employed in the process of building the roads, surveyors, contractors, engineers, bankers, artisans, suppliers and lawyers have certainly been impacted on the income side.

Regrettably we cannot build forever and so when the infrastructure project is completed, most of those employed in the building must leave the site to look for new opportunities.

This is the heart of the matter and this is the message that the theme of this council seeks to focus on. What should we do in addition to building infrastructure, in order to keep the jobs on.

The answer, Ladies and Gentlemen is simple. We must maintain the infrastructure we built.

This is important for many reasons, the first of which is that we preserve the life of the infrastructure and get the best value for the money we spent on it.

The second reason is that a maintenance economy is a critical contributor and driver of GDP in many economies around the world.

You will notice that I have spoken about a “maintenance economy” not a “maintenance culture.” This is because maintenance is not a cultural thing, it is an existential matter of survival, bread and butter and income.

Available data shows that in the “built industry” only about 30% of the manpower is employable by design and construction which lasts until the project is completed; while the remaining 70% are employed in the process of “operation” and “maintenance” of the infrastructure.

These are the reasons why the development of a maintenance economy must commend itself to all of us here and why we must all return home not only to think about it, but to do something about it.

The question is what needs to be done? My answer is that we must develop policies to stimulate the economy of maintenance.

All that we need to do is take a look at the state of existing infrastructure, and we are likely to see bridges with damaged expansion joints and bearings, buildings with broken windows and leaking pipes, doors that do not lock properly, toilets that do not work well and so much more.

If we reflect on what we see, we will realize that these are jobs for plumbers, carpenters, printers, foundry workers and many more skilled and unskilled people in our country and it is our responsibility to connect these people to the opportunities that infrastructure in disrepair represents for sustainable employment.

The Federal Government has already initiated such a policy in 2019, and we are now at implementation stage.

This has seen the Head of the Federal Civil Service approve the creation of the Department for Federal Public Asset Maintenance.

The next step is for each Ministry Department and Agency (MDA) of government to set up their own units for maintenance, undertake a condition assessment of their infrastructure, develop a maintenance plan, and implement the procurement for annual periodic and scheduled maintenance.

You might want to ask what this will do? My answer is that it will immediately begin to create jobs.

From the first stage of condition assessment, people are employed to inspect, assess, measure, document, photograph and do many things in the process of ascertaining what the infrastructure needs.

In 9 (nine) facilities that we assessed the conditions of fittings such as fans, air conditioners, light fittings, toilets and wash hand basin, we found that out of 41,800 installations 12,459 representing 29.8% were not functioning. These are people’s jobs to repair, supply, replace and install as the case may be.

The development of the maintenance plan and the procurement plan leading to invitation to tender and award of maintenance contracts for rehabilitation and facility management is a sure pathway to job creation.

Currently we are undertaking maintenance works on 41 (Forty-One) bridges that has employed 1,157 people directly and created 3,309 indirect jobs and we have facility management contracts for 25 federal secretariats across Nigeria after we completed renovation works. Each facility manager employs at least 40 people.

This is only a tip of the iceberg because the supply side that supports maintenance involves the purchase and supply of paint, bleach, rakes, brooms and other tools which create employment for small and medium size enterprises which is another activity of economic empowerment.

When we started the office of Facility Management in Lagos State, I recall one day when we awarded contracts for the facility management of 600 schools. This was employment not only for 600 small contractors but also for the people that were employed to do the job.

Ladies and Gentlemen, when we see functional and efficient public assets in other parts of the world there is no secret to it. It is evidence of a maintenance economy led by government.

Our federal maintenance initiative has assessed schools, courts, hospitals, correctional facilities and police buildings and is getting ready to commence work on them. I commend the same to you in your states if you want to create sustainable jobs.

Thank you for listening.

Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing

Sep

22

2021

REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SESSION AND PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING, ALHAJI BABANGIDA HUSSAINI

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the session, Babangida Hussaini welcomed Permanent Secretaries to the 27th Meeting of the National Council on Works. He thanked the Host, His Excellency Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, his executive team members and good people of Bauchi State for providing the enabling environment for the successful hosting of the event.

He also thanked the technical session for the meticulous work done on the memoranda presented for the consideration of the 27th meeting of the National Council meeting on Works.

He explained that the theme of this year’s National Council on Works “Infrastructure Delivery, the Maintenance Economy, and National Prosperity” is carefully chosen as a new concept to explore ways of providing massive infrastructure with the support of alternative sources of funding to complement Government efforts and reduce overdependence on Government for infrastructure delivery.

He added further that the focus of the Theme is on policy formulation and implementation, Institutional Strengthening, alternative sources of funding, enhancing professionalism in road infrastructure development, maintenance as an emerging economy in infrastructure economy, tolling and weigh bridges as a catalyst in road infrastructure development and sustainability, Local Content and Alternative technology in road infrastructure development and skill development and job creation for national prosperity.

He charged members to ensure that the outcome of the meeting, meets the standard and expectations of the Council so that the nation can harness the benefits of accelerated infrastructure development.

Sep

20

2021

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING, RESEARCH AND STATISTICS FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR JIDE ODE – MARTINS AT TECHNICAL SESSION OF THE 27TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS HELD IN BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE FROM MONDAY 20TH – FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

Protocol,

1.    On behalf of the Organizing Committee permit me to warmly welcome you to the 27th Meeting of National Council on Works holding from today 21st - 24th September, 2021 here in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

2.    As you are aware, the theme for this year National Council Meeting is ‘’Infrastructure delivery, the Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity’’. The theme is timely, considering our collective resolve to address the challenges in road development in the country within available resources.

3.    It is appropriate to highlight that the Council Meeting is heralded by a 2-Day Technical Meeting of the Directors and the Meeting of the Permanent Secretaries. The responsibility of the Technical Meeting of the Directors as you are aware, is to create a solid and resourceful foundation by diligently reviewing the memoranda submitted by stakeholders and fine-tuning the recommendation made by the Meeting of the Permanent Secretaries for presentation to the Council.

4.    Esteemed delegates and officials, the timing of this meeting therefore, is very significant as it affords us the opportunity to think through and make necessary provisions in our various institutions towards adequate infrastructure delivery and ensure maintenance culture to improve national prosperity.

5.    On a concluding note, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN and the Permanent Secretary, Babangida Hussaini for providing the enabling environment for the success of this Meeting. I also appreciate the support of all Directors and entire staff of the Ministry whose efforts made today a reality.   

6.    On this note, I once again welcome you all and wish you fruitful deliberations.

7.    Thank you.

Sep

08

2021

FG Has Not Abandoned Birnin - Yauri- Rijau- Zuru -Daki Takwas Road

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW& H) has assured the road users of her commitment to fix Birnin -Yauri- Rijau- Zuru -Daki -Takwas Road in Kebbi State and make it safe for the public as, H & M Nigeria Limited, a Civil Engineering Company, Kau International (Nig) Ltd and Great Northern International Construction Company were engaged by the Ministry to deliver the project as proposed.

Speaking, on the receipt of a report from road users that the Federal Government has abandoned the road, the Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation (FMW& H), Engr. Folorunsho Esan noted that, although the contractors had achieved various levels of progress but had suspended activities due to challenges poised by banditry, however with the reduction in activities of bandits in the area, all the contractors have decided to resume work on site.

While commending the understanding of the motorists over the temporary stoppage of construction works and its attendant inconveniences, the Federal Government assures the members of the public and the road users that, all necessary supports will be put in place to ensure that the road is delivered on scheduled.

Aug

14

2021

Jebba-Mokwa-Tegina Road Not Cut Off - FG

The attention of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has been drawn to an online story over the weekend, stating that a bridge along Jeba -Mokwa road had collapsed resulting in total closure of the road

" This is totally false as the recently constructed Talabu bridge along the road that was claimed to have collapsed is intact contrary to the online report" 

Faulting the story, the motorists flying the Jeba-Mokwa road who were interviewed confirmed that the road has not been cut off anywhere, as their movement has not been affected in any way as claimed in the story 

In view of this, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini, hereby assures motorists that the road is safe and passable, urging them to disregard the story and not to panic

Mr. Babangida further reassured the public that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is working tirelessly to provide good roads for Nigerians, as such called on the citizens to give the government necessary support and encouragement

He explained that the Ministry has Controllers of Works in every state that will quickly inform the Ministry of any emergency of such nature on our roads for immediate intervention.

Mr. Babangida therefore appealed to Nigerians to verify stories received on social media before sharing such.
 

Aug

03

2021

Perm Sec Works Appeals Against Destruction of Public Utilities  

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has appealed to   the public to desist from destroying public utilities, imploring them to help the government in it's effort to preserve them for the good of the nation.

Hussaini gave the warning over the weekend during a routine inspection of the ongoing Abuja - Kano road project and coincidentally saw some women burning tyres under the bridge of a railway crossing along Zaria-Kano section of the expressway.

He queried " where are you destroying our bridges, our roads and public utilities, this is putting the government and public life in danger "

The Perm Sec was on inspection of the ongoing reconstruction work of the road when he suddenly saw some women burning tyres under the bridge of the railway crossing along Zaria-Kano section of the road and suddenly braked to address them.

Hussaini told them that their action was putting the citizens life in danger and a waste of resources of the government, thereby drawing back the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari at  providing quality road infrastructure for the good of Nigerians.

While expressing his visible anger, he also sounded a strong warning to them to desist from such activities henceforth. He implored them to see government's properties as their personal property so that they protect and preserve them jealously.

In their reactions, one of the women caught in the act said that, they only saw some other people burning tyres under the bridge and that they only joined without knowing the implication.

She expressed regrets over their actions, telling the Perm Sec and his entourage that  "we have to obey our leaders"

Aug

02

2021

Governor Bagudu Commends President Buhari For Completing Legacy Road Projects In The State

The Excutive Governor of Kebbi State, Sen Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has commended President Mohammadu Buhari GCFR, for completing one of the legacy roads his administration inherited; the Sokoto-Tambuwa-Gwandu-Aliero-Jega-Yawuri-Kotongora road.

The Governor said this over the weekend when the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, FNSE paid him a courtesy visit.

He said: “The road is one of the most important roads, not only does it link other states with the Federal Capital Territory, but it is the main gateway to Lagos.”

Continuing, he said: “I remember in 2015 when we came in before the completion of the road, whenever we were having security council meeting, it was a nightmare for the Emir of Yauri to come, but today, he even looks forward to coming for the meetings.”

He commended the efforts of the Ministry that made it possible for Mr. President to complete the road saying that it was one of the numerous uncompleted roads that were inherited by the Buhari’s administration.

Speaking on the importance of the road, the Commissioner of Works and Transportation, Alhaji Chika Ladan commended Mr. President also saying that it has saved the road users more travelling time.

“Traveling from Yauri to Birnin Kebbi used to take about five hours traveling time, but today, it takes less than two hours on the same road,” he said.

The Minister, who was in the state to verify the claims of refund on the Federal Government roads undertaken by the State Government, said that out of the total distance of road we have in the country, about 34,000 kilometres of the distance is under the jurisdiction of Federal Government.

“Out of the 34,000 kilometres, we are currently working on over 13,000 kilometres simultaneously with over 800 contracts currently going on all over the country, covering all the Six Geo-Political Zones” he added.

The long distance Sokoto-Tambuwa-Gwandu-Aliero-Jega-Yawuri-Kontogora road is divided into two sections. The Kebbi section of the road is about 171km with an origin at Jega township roundabout with a standard 7.3m carriageway. While the Sokoto section is about 133km with additional 8.0km Bye pass and it originated from Sokoto Airport roundabout through South West direction passing through Bodinga-Shagari-Tanbuwal, Aliero and terminates in Jega town at the Birnin Kebbi-Koko roundabout.

The overall percentage completion of works to date is 100% in Sokoto section and 99.94% in Kebbi State section respectively.  Lane Marking in the Kebbi section is in progress.

Aug

02

2021

Special Townhall Meeting: Fashola Renders Impressive Account Of Ministry’s Activities

…Says Infrastructure Legitimate Way to Grow the Economy, Deliver Prosperity to the Citizenry.

*With 895 On-going Highway and Bridge contracts across the country, the rehabilitation of Internal Roads of 43 Federal Tertiary* *Institutions,  construction of Six new Federal Secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Osun and Zamfara States and Construction of Housing Estates in 34 States of the Federation under the National* *Housing Programme (NHP) among others, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN on Thursday rendered an impressive account of the Federal* *Government’s infrastructure programmes under his Ministry.*

Speaking at  Special Townhall Meeting organized by Business Hallmark Public Policy Forum with the theme," Nigeria's Infrastructure Revolution: Road to a New Future,”* the Minister explained that activities involved in infrastructure development are the sure and legitimate way of growing the economy and delivering prosperity to the citizenry.

This reality, Fashola explained, informed the decision of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to make massive investment in Infrastructure a matter of choice and necessitated the expansion of the budget of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing from N18bn by the previous administration in 2015 to about N260bn despite the fact that the price of crude oil  which sold at an average of $97.98 between 2009 and 2014  fell to an average of $65.23 per barrel from 2015 to 2021.

According to the Minister, the priority given to infrastructural development, informed the need to improve road transport infrastructure assets, formulate policies to address the problem of deteriorating public assets while taking advantage of the socio-economic opportunities created by the maintenance of such assets and to develop a National Strategy for sustainable Maintenance of all Public Infrastructure Assets in the country.

Fashola noted that due to paucity of fund, government had to look for alternative sources of funding which include the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, SUKUK fund, Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS), Multi-lateral loans/grants and collaboration with other Government Agencies like The North East-Development Commission in order to achieve the objectives of the Economy Recovery and Growth Plan ( ERGP) as it concerns the Ministry.

Fashola also listed the rehabilitation of 60 Bridges across the country, scheduled maintenance of 5,461.88KM of roads and 8,000KM of Highway maintenance which include vegetation control, desilting of drains, Sleeves and ducts by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the rehabilitation/Maintenance of 24 Federal Secretariats across the country as some of the results of the investments in infrastructure.

Fashola explained that on the result and economic impact of the infrastructure investment of the Federal  Government, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) benefit immensely from infrastructure projects as  a lot of activities such as designing, award of contract for supply, direct employment, banking and so on that take place, generate income for the people any time an infrastructure project is ongoing, pointing out that the small firms and enterprises were engaged in supplies of cements, diesel, laterites and others in the course of construction activities.

The Minister noted that the narrative in the past about no federal government presence in some state has been replaced by a new narrative about when the ongoing projects will be completed in such states.

The Minister also reminded Nigerians that the recession alarm raised in 2012 by the then Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala was the recession that the Buhari administration inherited and was able to overcome it despite the impact of Covid – 19 through the massive investment to renew and expand the nation’s infrastructure at a time when the country was earning much less from oil.

The Chairman, Busines Hallmark Forum, Sir Marc Wabara disclosed that the aim of the Townhall Meeting was to ensure that public policy met the basic standard of service delivery to the public.

He expressed satisfaction that the event was holding at a time when the nation was going through the path of growth and development.

The occasion was chaired by the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the Guest of Honour was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha. Other speakers at the occasion were the Minsters of Federal Ministries of Water Resource and that of Power; Engr. Suleiman Adamu and Engr. Saleh Mamman respectively.

Jul

28

2021

Nigeria / Cameron Border Bridge Will Facilitate International Trade- Fashola

The completed border bridge at Mfum community between Nigeria and Cameroun and the Ikom bridge will facilitate international trade between the two countries when inaugurated.

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing,Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,  SAN  made the remark while inspecting the two -lane bridge over the Cross River at the Cameroun and the Nigeria new Border at Ekok /Mfum and the new Ikom Bridge  in Cross River State.

“This is the A-4 Axis coming from Calabar to Maiduguri through Ogoja to Katsina-Ala. So you will expect more volume of trade. And it is no accident that Cross River State bears its name.  It is actually the River that named the state. That River opens to the sea and the Gulf of Guinea.  And so high impact on international trade is expected”, he said.

Fashola also said, "We have had very strong relationship with Cameroun in terms of trade and business and if you go to Aba, Enugu, Abakaliki, for example, this is the route that facilitates trade, agro produce, merchandise, manufactured goods from Aba in Abia State.''

The Minister explained that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration's strategy of planning and execution of infrastructure projects was yielding results through successful completion.

“This is a very strategic infrastructure to take Nigeria to the future for many more decades to facilitate relationship between brothers and sisters in Cameroun and Nigeria and to strengthen the bond of relationship in a joint development with the Republic of Cameroun and Nigeria.” Fashola said, adding that ‘’We are now entering the season of completion of infrastructure projects.”

The Minister while speaking with journalists after inspecting both the Nigeria /Cameron Joint Border Bridge at Mfom /Ekot and the New Ikom Bridge at Ikom in Cross River State noted that these bridges would increase the prosperity of the people, facilitate hundreds of jobs, movement of agro produce and manufactured goods, joint border patrol that would lead to security efficiency and position both nations to take the benefit of the free trade zone agreement.

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Dane Osimasu at the sites of the inspection said the Minister is a conceptualizer ,  implementor and committed to road development in the state. He assured the Honourable Minister that counterpart funding from the state would always be provided where it is necessary in infrastructure development projects.

The Director Highway Bridges and Design Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Emmanuel Adeoye said during the inspection of Ikom bridge, "The project was awarded in October 2018 and it is due to finish by 7th November, 2021."

The Director said, "The rate at which the contractor is working, by the end of October it should be finished. Right now as we speak, the job is 92% completed, with the time lapse of 68%. We are moving faster than the scheduled time, so by end of October we should be done with the bridge."

According to him "the Road Lane Marking has also been done.

The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Bassey Nsentip disclosed that several road projects were progressing without hitches in the State.

The Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Council Cross River State, Hon. Nkom Etuk praised the Ministry of Works and Housing for the remarkable job done on the bridges.

The Ajassor Community Representative, Hon. Victor Njor said the border bridge has enhanced joint border patrol linking Cameroun and Nigeria within their community and the people shall come out en mass when the bridge will be inaugurated soon.

The border bridge between Nigeria and Cameroun is funded by the African Development Bank while the Ikom bridge is through the Sukuk bond.

Jul

10

2021

FG Hailed Over Ongoing 2nd Niger Bridge, Other Landmark Projects In Southeast

• As Achina Community in Anambra State pays “Thank You” visit to Fashola
• Says the people are appreciative of the quantum of projects ongoing in the Zone
• President Buhari means well, has good intentions toward the people of Nigeria – Minister

The Achina Community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Friday paid a “Thank you” courtesy visit to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, expressing appreciation to the Federal Government over the quantum of ongoing projects in the Zone, especially the Second Niger Bridge.

A delegation of the Community, led by Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, also expressed gratitude to President Buhari for deeming worthy of appointment a son of the Community into the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Describing Fashola as a detribalized Nigerian, the delegation recalled that the Minister had always supported the Community even when he was Governor of Lagos State, pointing out as example the establishment of  Adem Industrial and Commercial Complex in Lagos by the Community, which it said currently accommodates about five thousand people.

In his remarks, Fashola reaffirmed the good intentions and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari towards Nigerians saying the President has underway so many good projects conceived to better the lives of Nigerians in various sectors, especially roads, bridges, effecting solutions to erosion and other ecological problems.

Pointing out that the President needed competent and patriotic people to help in actualizing his policies and programmes for the nation, Fashola declared, “Make no mistake about it, the President needs every good hand and every good mind to give effect to not only his policies and commitment to the Nigerian people but also to their expectations”.

Stressing on the need to have competent hands to help in executing the various projects and programmes nationwide, the Minister, who received the delegation in his office in Abuja noted, “No matter how well intentioned he can be, the President cannot be in every room and in every state. He, therefore, requires good men and women who will be part of the solution and not the problem”.

He commended the patriotic and selfless commitment of Chief Modestus Umenzekwe to the development of his area and people; “he has been faithful to this cause. He has asked nothing to be done for himself. If he asked for anything at all it would always be for his community”, he said.

On his appointment to the Board of FHA, Fashola, who urged him to bring to play the same zeal and commitment towards the development of his community as he assumes office as a member of the Board of FHA, added, “Honourable Umenzekwe has been faithful and committed to the cause of the present administration”.

Jul

07

2021

FG Restate Commitment To Promote Energy Efficiency And Security For All

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated the commitment of his administration towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians.

The President stated this at the official commissioning of the 1.52 MWp/2.28 MWh Solar Microgrid System built by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that the 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System is a project that delivers on so many of the Federal Government’s commitments at the Local and International levels.

The President explained that the Solar Microgrid System is part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement which he signed on behalf of the country to reduce carbon emission globally.

He commended the Ministry of Works and Housing, saying that the project has placed the Federal Government as a champion on the use of renewable energy, not just off-grid and for the last-mile, but also within urban contexts for commercial users.

Similarly, the President noted that the project has added to government objective of economy Plan of Ease of doing Business which is a major objective of the Federal Government economic plan to grow the economy and create jobs.. He urged other MDAs to key into the initiative.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,SAN said that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 20th March 2019 at the time the Ministry of Power was part of Works and Housing.

“I express our appreciation to members of the Federal Executive Council who voted to entrust our Ministry with this project,” he said.

Explaining the scope of the project, Fashola said the Ministry has delivered a 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System based on the mandate of the Federal Executive Council, and it would provide uninterrupted power supply to 5 blocks housing the Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Environment and Lands.

In fulfillment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs, the Minister said that the project employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration.

Continuing, he said that the project would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum and cost saving of NGN270,945,000 over 20 years and contribute towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.

“With this investment we have built our own Mini-Grid, in consonance with our Administration’s policy to promote off grid option, thereby making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power,” he said.

The impressive event also received goodwill messages from the Honourable Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar and the Deputy Secretary General of United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed.

Jun

30

2021

Works And Housing Staff Receives 2021 Public Service Awards

Four staffers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing have received 2021 Public Service Awards for diligence, commitment and dedication to service.

The recipients of the award were; Arc. Suara Akinola, Deputy-Director, Special Projects Unit, Engineer Ebere Izunobi, Assistant Director, Highway Planning and Development, Haruna Rakiya of the Public Building and Housing Development and Anemba Terhemeni of the Human Resources Management Department.

The Award was in commemoration of 2021 Public Service Week organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation annually.

The Director Human Resources of the Ministry, Abdullahi Umar Utono presented the awardees to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babangida Hussaini, after they had been honoured by the Head of Service of the Federation at a ceremony in Abuja.

Receiving the awardees, the Permanent Secretary, Babaginda Hussaini congratulated and charged them to work harder in order to justify the award saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Permanent Secretary described the award as an acknowledgement of one’s outstanding service to the Ministry in particular and the nation in general.

 “Once you are recognized and awarded, you do not have a hidden place anymore. More is expected of you and please do not rest on your oasis.” He said.

Hussaini said that he was satisfied with their nomination for the prestigious award because he could attest to their competence and commitment to duty. “If I have to do the exercise again, I will select the same four officers for the award because they are tested and trusted,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Human Resources Management, Umar Utono said that the committee set up by the Ministry to evaluate nominees for the award did a thorough job in bringing up the four nominees for the award, adding that they were selected based on the input from their various Departments.

 “Their selection met the criteria we look forward to in Civil Servants. We commend their contributions and urge them to work harder,” he said.

Utono also said that the award would serve as amotivation to other Civil Servants to work harder in order to benefit from subsequent awards.

Responding on behalf of the Awardees, the Deputy-Director, Special Project Unit, Arc. Suara Akinola thanked the Permanent Secretary for nominating them for award, saying that they will do more to justify his trust on them.

“It is a call to do more and I am pledging on behalf of the other awardees our total commitment to do more and that our selection for the award was not a mistake by the Ministry. We shall work harder to win more awards,” he said.

Jun

23

2021

BRF Gabfest 5: Discussing the Ways to Curb the Human Factors Involved in Road Accidents
Lagos, Nigeria, June 22, 2021 — For the 5th edition of the Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) GabFest, an event created to discuss the role of the youth in Nigeria’s future, the theme is “Arrive Alive: Building a Road towards better driving culture”.
Statistics show that Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29. Around the world, road traffic injuries cause 1.25 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries each year. Surprisingly, data shows that the top causative factor for road accidents are not bad roads but speeding, loss of vehicular control, wrongful overtaking and generally poor driving culture. To discuss this pandemic, and explore ways to curb the human factors behind such accidents, six speakers across two panels will offer constructive insight at the event, on the 28th June, 2021.  

The speakers will cut across both the public and private sectors, and offer the audience the chance to engage on the subject matter. They will discuss matters ranging from road safety traffic measures and how accidents occur, to what to do in the event of an accident, insurance, drinking and driving responsibly, and also breaking users cycle of road accidents. The aim is to realize the factors that we have control over, and how to take a collective responsibility over them to improve the future. Attendees would also be allowed to ask questions after the Panelist discussion. 

The confirmed line-up of speakers includes Dr Yazid Omotayo -Head, Medical Unit/Pre-Hospital Care Unit, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Ms Bethia Idoko -Head of Business Development, Gidi Traffic, Mr Oluseye Banjoko MCIArb (Uk)- Partner, CLP Legal and Fred Akinmuyisitan - Head, Marketing Strategy and Planning, The Heineken Company. The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi will offer insights on the statistics coming in from Federal Highways across the country. 

 It will be a platform for these leaders to share their expertise as pertains to Road Accidents. “It is imperative to find opportunities to convene and discuss ways in which we can push forward as a people, and reduce these casualties” says Terfa Tilley-Gyado, Director of Communications of The Temple Company, who will also be addressing attendees of the event. The programme will end with a closing remark by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be conducted virtually over ZOOM, and is open to the public to register via https://bit.ly/gabfest5. The entire session will run for a duration of two hours. 

Jun

07

2021

Stop the Destruction of our Common wealth, Fashola pleads at Town Hall Meeting

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN has appealed to those vandalizing government properties in the country to desist from doing so.

The Minister made the appeal during his presentation at the Townhall Meeting on Protecting Public Infrastructure organized by the Federal Ministry of Information, which took place today 7th June 2021 at NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

Fashola, who noted all that no nation grows beyond the capacity of its infrastructure, lamented the level of damage and vandalization of public properties in the nation.

The Minister said, "our ability to grow, to develop and to prosper, to get education and essentially to live a good life is tied to quality and quantity of Infrastructure that we have, explaining that properties damaged under the purview of his Ministry included bridges across the nation such as Otedola and Kara bridges in Lagos, Tamburawa Bridge in Kano among others which would respectively cost 203M, 605M and 1.8 Billion naira to repair.

Noting that these money could have been expended on other sectors such as health, education etc. Fashola disclosed that another form in which the bridge was abused included the conversion of spaces under the bridge to shops and the use of parking spaces for businesses, adding that the Ministry had started the process of recovery of all these spaces with the aim of ensuring that they are utilized for their legitimate purposes.

The Minister also condemned the vandalism of signages on the Federal Highways across the country. He explained that "Signages have begun to reappear on the nation’s highways but these signages have become targets of some people and turned to billboards for campaign." He added that some of them were out rightly carted away.

Fashola further condemned the abuse of the right of way by some people who raise structure on them, explaining that 45.72 metre from the centre line of both sides of the road lies within the right of way.
The Minister also decried the building of bumps on Federal Highways which he noted are dangerous to unsuspecting road users, adding that the public buildings are also not left out by vandals.

The Minister noted that though there are existing laws to punish these criminal acts but they were no longer realistic in view of the economic changes that have taken place since the time they were enacted and now and therefore called for quick amendment of the laws so that offenders could be adequately punished.

Fashola also called upon the citizens to take responsibility over government properties and stand up against vandalism and willful destruction of the common wealth of the country.

In his welcome Address, the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Muhammed said the aim of the Townhall meeting was to bridge the gap between the Government and the people.

The Minister said infrastructure deficit was one of the challenges facing the country and the current administration had invested hugely on it despite the lean resources available to it.

"Despite a drastic drop in revenues and competing priorities especially that of tackling insecurity, the Federal Government had invested heavily in providing new infrastructure in addition to reconstruction and rehabilitating of existing ones."

However, he lamented that in recent times such laudable efforts of the government were being thwarted by some unpatriotic citizens through wanton destruction of critical infrastructure thereby depriving the greater citizenry for whose benefits these projects and services are provided.

The Ministers of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Muhammed Bello also took turn to reveal the negative impact and cost of vandalism and destruction of public properties under the purview of their respective Ministry.

As a way of overcoming the problem, stakeholders present at the occasion suggested that stiffer laws against  such crimes should be passed by the National Assembly,  Traditional Rulers should be involved in the security of public properties,  State governments should be made to partake in securing federal government projects within their domain, security agents should be encouraged to be more vigilant and massive sensitization of the general public should be carried out to engage the citizens in the ownership and protection of these properties.

Also present at the occasion were the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Ali Patani, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D .Aliyu and Heads of Federal Agencies.

May

30

2021

FG Opens Bid On Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) 

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing will officially open the bid for *Value Added Concession* under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) on *Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 at 11a.m West African Time. * The bid will be witnessed by the *Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), * other interested partners and stakeholders.

It will be recalled that Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, received the *Certificate of Compliance* for the *Outline Business Case* for the HDMI in December 2020, followed by the official launching of the *E-portal (https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng)* by the Honourable Minister on 29th March, 2021.

Applications were received from interested prospective concessionaires in response to the *Request for* *Qualification (RfQ )* and the bid will be opened on the *1st June, 2021*.

The Highway Development and Management Initiative was created by the Ministry of Works and Housing to develop and manage the Federal Road network through *sustainable Private Sector investment*, maximizing the use of assets along *the right of way*.

The twelve roads to be concessioned under the first phase of the HDMI are:

*Benin – Asaba*

*Abuja - Lokoja*

*Kaduna – Kano*

*Onitsha – Owerri – Aba*

*Shagamu – Benin*

*Abuja - Keffi – Akwanga*

*Lokoja – Benin*

*Enugu – Port Harcourt*

*Ilorin – Jebba*

*Lagos– Ota – Abeokuta*

*Lagos – Badagry*

*Kano – Shuari – PortisKum – Damaturu*

This initiative is aimed at creating alternative source of financing road development and management in the country while unlocking the massive economic potential of the project routes with attendant job creation

Sep

23

2021

Dualization Of Keffi-Makurdi Road: FG Working With Nasarawa, Benue States To Resolve Compensation Issues- Fashola

•  As Minister urges beneficiaries to embrace dialogue

• “It's clear that the President's strategy on Infrastructure as a driver of growth is working ", he says

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has called on the people affected by the ongoing road construction project in Nasarawa and Benue States to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagements towards resolving issues related to compensation rather than seeking recourse to agitations.

The Minister, who made the call during his inspection tour of the ongoing Dualization of the 221 kilometres Keffi - Akwanga-Lafia - Makurdi Road, Tuesday, September 21st, 2021, declared, “Agitations don't solve problems, it is engagements and collaborations".

Fashola, who was responding to a question from a journalist on the efforts of the Federal Government to compensate those affected by the project along the road said that the Federal government was closely working with the Benue and Nasarawa States to resolve the issues.

He pointed out that the Federal Government was making a deliberate and careful effort to ensure that the real beneficiaries get the compensation and not middlemen.

Explaining further, Fashola said that the 221 kilometres Dualization being undertaken includes a 10-lane expansion over five kilometers where Abuja joins Nasarawa state around Mararaba area.

He disclosed that work is yet to begin on the areas that still have issues of resettlement, relocation and compensation until such issues are resolved.

The Minister explained that funding for the project was secured through a China EXIM loan, adding that the decision to borrow the fund for the project was taken before the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

"The decision to borrow this money was taken before our administration. So we just completed the process that has been started, a process that we own because this is money borrowed for investment to improve people's lives", he said.

The Minister who was later joined by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, also inspected the National Housing Programme (NHP) and Federal Secretariat Complex in the state capital, Lafia.

On the economic benefits of the projects, Fashola said, the projects will drive the economy and create jobs for the people, as so many people have been employed directly or indirectly through the infrastructure developments.

"If you see the economy beginning to head towards growth it's clear that the President's strategy on Infrastructure as a driver of growth is working ", he said.

Earlier during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Minister appealed to the Governor to establish a park for the trailers in order to protect the roads from being damaged, pointing out that the parking of trailers and the pouring of lubricants; diesel and oil on the roads by the drivers negatively affect the life span of the roads .

In his response, the Governor expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister for their commitment to the development of infrastructure in Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule also told the Minister that the State was already establishing trailer parks across the state to protect the roads from being damaged through indiscriminate parking on the shoulders and to avoid the incidence of such areas becoming criminal hideouts.

He urged the Federal Government to consider working on more roads in the state.

On the Minister's entourage during the inspection tour were some Directors the State's Controllers of both Works and Housing of the Ministry and Special Advisers.

Sep

22

2021

Babangida Hussaini Calls For Commitment Of The Body Of Permanent Secretaries At The Ongoing Council On Works

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini   has called on the body of Permanent Secretaries in the Works sector to be committed to and engage in thorough deliberations to come out with recommendations that meet standard requirements for the Council Meeting that will be chaired by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Hussaini made the call during the meeting of the Permanent Secretaries at the 27th Meeting of the National Council on Works taking places in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

He said that, “The essence of this meeting therefore is for the body of Permanent Secretaries of Works to further consider and refine the recommendations of the Technical Meeting of the Directors which had already realigned some memoranda.”

He added that Technical Meeting of the Directors had also merged some memoranda with similar purposes and contents, pointing out that some memoranda were stepped down for further consideration by relevant professional bodies in the works sector.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner, Bauchi State Ministry of Works and Transport, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim said that the administration of his Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed had done significant work in the areas of provision of portable water, construction and rehabilitation of roads, blocks of classrooms in both primary and secondary schools, health facilities and provision of farming implements.

He stated that it was for the interest and respect for the Council that made the Governor of the Sate to graciously approve the hosting of the 27th Meeting of the Council of Works in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

Ibrahim commended participants that have been deliberating on the various memoranda by the Federal and State Ministries of Works, stakeholders and other organizations that have been playing significant roles in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria. “I therefore enjoin the Permanent Secretaries to examine the various recommendations meticulously with a view to make appropriate recommendations to Council for deliberation,” he charged.

Sep

20

2021

National Council On Works Kicks Off In Bauchi

The 27th National Council on Works has kicked off in Bauchi, Bauchi State capital today, Monday, September 20th, 2021

The four- day Council Meeting has the theme:” Infrastructure Delivery; the Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity.”

In his opening remarks at the technical session, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Jide Ode-Martins, described the theme for this year’s Council as timely, considering the collective resolve to address the challenges in road development in the country within available resources.

He explained that the first 2 days of the meeting will be the technical meeting of the Directors, followed by the meeting of the Permanent Secretaries that will fine-tune the recommendations of the Directors' meeting and other stakeholders.

The outcome of the Permanent Secretaries' meeting, he added, will be presented to the Council meeting of States' Commissioners and heads of relevant agencies under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing for final deliberation.

Accordingly, Ode-Martins stated that the responsibility of the technical meeting of the Directors and other stakeholders was to create a solid and resourceful foundation by reviewing diligently the memoranda submitted by stakeholders.

He called on all the participants to make necessary contributions towards a successful Council Meeting.

“Esteemed delegates and officials, the timing of this meeting is very significant as it affords us the opportunity to think through and make necessary provisions in our various institutions towards adequate infrastructure delivery and cultivate maintenance culture to improve national prosperity,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address the Permanent Secretary Bauchi State Ministry of Works and Transport, Engr Stephen Abubakar, said that the theme of the meeting was suitable to the present situation in the country where there was the need to rethink infrastructure delivery and its maintenance for socio-economic development of the nation.

He further said that the meeting would provide the required platform for participants in the works sector to articulate policies that would provide the enabling environment and guide the path that would lead the country in bridging infrastructure gaps through innovative delivery and effective maintenance culture.

In attendance at the opening ceremony were critical stakeholders of the Works sector from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and representatives of the private sector.

Sep

14

2021

FG Begins Immediate Repairs On Sections Affected By Flooding In Five States

* Others to receive attention soon.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Tuesday directed the immediate Emergency Repairs on Sections where failure had occurred due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in five states across the country.

Fashola who gave the directive at a briefing meeting in Abuja named the roads for immediate intervention to include Ibadan – Ife Road, Gombe – Bauchi Road, Gombe – Darazo; Bauchi – Ningi, Bida – Lambata, and Tsamiya bridge in Jigawa State, also assured of continuous attention to other roads with similar problems.

The Minister said that the Federal government is committed to infrastructure development and will respond promptly to complaints from citizens.

He however, appealed to commuters to be patient with the government as the excessive rains being witnessed has negative effect on road construction and rehabilitation.

He expressed his Ministry’s commitment to do all within its means to ease the hardship of commuters.

Aug

24

2021

Minister Assures Motorists For Prompt Intervention On Gashua - Potiskum Damaged Road
 
Minister of State for Works and Housing Engr Abubakar Aliyu has assured motorists plying the Gashua-Potiskum axis of prompt intervention by the government to restore to normal the flood damaged parts of the road.

The Minister disclosed this during an on-the - spot assessment of the portions of the road damaged by the flood, assuring motorists that government is already taking urgent steps to remedy the situation.

Engr Aliyu spoke through the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State, Engr Olusegun B. Akinmade, whom he delegated to visit the site said the Gasua-Potiskum Federal highway was recently damaged by massive flooding as a result of heavy downpour.

 " The ministry would deploy the relevant agency to attend to the affected parts of the road in no time" he said, adding that the most affected part of the highway is a stretch between Garin Gada to Tarajim along the Gashua-Potiskum highway.

While commending the understanding of the motorists over the incidence and its attendant inconveniences, Engr Aliyu reaffirmed that the federal government would do all it could to remedy the situation as well as taking measures of averting future occurrences.

He said " President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to road infrastructure is unprecedented, as evidenced by his administration’s huge investments in road reconstruction and rehabilitation across the country" .

Accordingly, the Minister said the prompt assessment of the damaged portion of the highway is a demonstration of the leadership commitment of his ministry working round the clock to deliver on its mandate. 

Yobe State Commissioner for Works, Engr Umaru Wakili Duddaye, was among the team that inspected the damaged portion.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted that about 25 states, including Yobe, would experience flood in 2021

Aug

09

2021

FG Assures Motorists Of Commitment To Road Infrastructure

The Federal Government has assured the Public of its commitment to infrastructure development in the country, adding that all roads affected by flash floods are noted and are receiving required attention.

Speaking in the Ministry after receiving an interim report of on- the -spot assessment of  the Abuja -Lokoja flash flood and the bridge in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Babangida Hussaini, stated that the Ministry was looking into all the issues of flooding on the nation’s roads

On the Abuja -Lokoja road , he said the flash flood at the weekend was caused by excessive rain and that as soon as the rain subsided , the flood receded,  and the road has been opened to traffic since Saturday.

On the bridge in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State the Permanent Secretary noted the prompt response of Jigawa State by diverting traffic to an alternative route and commenced repair works on the bridge immediately, he therefore commended the state governments and the stakeholders for their efforts in supporting Mr. President’s commitment to road and infrastructure development.

He assured the Jigawa State Government of the Ministry’s technical support as at when needed. He said the professionals in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing are always available to provide technical support to states in all the roads and bridges construction activities.

Aug

03

2021

Fashola Inspects Federal Road Projects Executed By Yobe State Government

...Minister promises to submit his findings for consideration by FG

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, on Monday inspected the Nguru - Machina and Gashua - Yusufari, federal road projects that the Yobe State Government executed for which they are requesting reimbursement.

While speaking to journalists during the inspection, the Minister said President Muhammadu Buhari promised that refund would be made to all states that intervened in Federal Roads though such interventions took place before the advent of this administration in 2015.

He explained that some State Governments got their own refund in the first term of this administration while some others got theirs late last year. However, States like Yobe and Kebbi who were yet to get their own sent their requests to the Federal Government which led to the reconstitution of the Presidential Committee to assess the claims by the State Governments and submit their reports for consideration.

Fashola said in response to a question on the possible amount being expected by the State, " You know that there are standard prices for materials and also standard design, we will file our report based on what we find, we have a method for making quantification and we will send it to the government Cost Control Centre and they will then advice government as to appropriate payment ".

Speaking on the impact of the ongoing special repair of the heavily flooded area in Zangwon Kanwa on Nguru - Machina Road by the Federal Government, Fashola described the work as a relief measure for the Community because due to the excavation of some of the construction materials from the area, it was burrowed thereby turning it into a pond which has become the lowest point in the place, a situation that brought a lot of challenges to the people.

He said the current work by the Government is a temporary measure which would be followed by a permanent solution that would be considered by both the State and Federal Government.

The Secretary to Yobe State Government, Baba Mallam Wali expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for coming to assess the projects and hoped that he had seen quality work.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State, Engineer Olusegun Babalola Akinmade informed the Minister that the repair work in the flooded area in Zangwon Kanwa on Nguru - Machina road will intensify after the raining season. He said the water in the pond will be rechannelled while the capacity will be increased downward by 2 metres just as it is done in residential houses when Septic Tanks are emptied.

The Controller said the situation was so bad before work commenced in the area to the extent that some residents were evacuated.

The Minister was received at the border between Jigawa and Yobe by the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State, Engineer Olusegun Akinmade and a high-level delegation comprising the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Lawal Mirwa, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Umar Wakili and some traditional rulers.

He was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Director Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan and the Director Highways, North East, Engr. Celestine Shausu among others.

Aug

02

2021

FG To Reinburse Road Projects Done By Kebbi State - Engr Aliyu

Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu has said that Federal Government would refund the monies spent on Federal Government’s road projects by Kebbi State.

The Minister said this over the Weekend when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kebbi State Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.

Aliyu told the Governor that they were in the state to verify claims for reimbursement submitted by Kebbi State Government for the Federal Government’s road projects undertaken by Kebbi State adding that the Cabinet Committee set up by Federal Government would look into their claims for refund.

“We are here for the verification and after that, we are going to report back to the main Committee for consideration,” he said.

The visit was sequel to the directives of Mr. President to the Cabinet Committee to review the requests from states seeking reimbursement for the road projects executed by them.

The Committee had earlier inspected the two selected road projects built by the Kebbi State government that were slated for reimbursement.

It could be recalled that the Federal Government had made reimbursements of N477 billion to twenty five states in 2016 based on the recommendation of the Committee.

Similarly, another disbursement of N143 billion was made to additional five states by the Federal Government in 2019 making a total of N620 billion refunded to States for Federal Government’s road projects undertaken by States.

Accordingly, the Minister disclosed that the President had approved the reactivation of the Committee to look into the additional requests for disbursements on the 17th May, 2021, for Yobe, Taraba and Kebbi States.

Kebbi State Government is seeking reimbursement for the 42 kilometers Melando-Garin Baka-Ngaski Wara and the 87 kilometers Dabai-Mahuta-koko federal road projects.

The State was claiming over N2bn reimbursement for the 87km long Dabai-Mahuta-Koko road, which the Minister said, was why the committee came to verify.

“We are here today to verify the claims by the state and get back to the Committee,” he said.

Responding, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagugu commended the federal government for the bold step it has taken in refunding States the monies spent in executing Federal Government road projects.

The Governor said that the debt of over 500 billion naira paid by this administration were inherited debts.

“Yes, we are one of the states that have done federal government roads. I am happy that you have come to verify our claims and we shall be grateful if your report will lead to refund so that we will do more,” he said.

Speaking further, he commended Federal Government for completing the Sokoto-Tambuwa-Gwandu-Aliero-Jega-Yawuri-Kontogora road, saying that  the road was one of the most important roads and one of the numerous uncompleted road inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 “The road does not only link us with the Federal Capital Territory, but also serves as our main gateway to Lagos" he said.

 “The road passes through a vast area of farm lands and many farming communities of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States will benefit from it,” he said.

The Cabinet Committee has the Minister of Works and Housing as the Chairman and the members include; Ministers of Transportation, Education, Finance, Works and housing (State), as well as the Permanent Secretaries of Works and Housing and that of the Cabinet Office and the Director, Bureau of Public Procurement.

The Committee's delegation to Kebbi State for the verification was led by the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Jul

29

2021

Federal Ministry Works & Housing Sets Up Ministerial And Departmental Task Team To Enforce Covid-19 Protocols

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has given a strong warning to those violating the Covid 19 Prevention protocols in the Ministry to desist from such or stay away from the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary gave the warning earlier today while inaugurating a Ministerial and Departmental Task Team on Covid-19.

Mr. Babangida said that the Task Team was to ensure compliance with prescribed preventive measures and curtailing the spread of Covid-19 Virus, adding that every aspect of Covid-19 control mechanism and crowd control must be adopted and enforced.

He also urged the newly inaugurated Task Team to generate massive awareness campaign on the consequences of the breach of prescribed Covid-19 preventive Protocols and put in place adequate sanctions against violators.

The Permanent Secretary noted with concern the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks and charged the team to save the government from unnecessary expenses associated with uncontrolled spread of the pandemic, adding that lives of Nigerians are considered very important by the government.

He ordered that henceforth, the team should monitor staff’ and visitors’ compliance to the protocols and punish offenders to deter others.

He therefore, directed that patrol along the corridor in the Ministry should be ramped up and that a reporting template should be put up as well as activating all sanitary facilities within the Ministry.

The Committee which was a ten- man team was chaired by the Ministry’s Director Human Resource Management, Mr. Umar Abdullahi Utono

Jul

16

2021

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA, SAN AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMIT ORGANISED BY THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS ON THURSDAY 15TH JULY, 2021 AT NICON LUXURY HOTEL, ABUJA

I bring good tidings to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at this Plenary on National Infrastructure Summit.
I am enthused by the theme which is:- “Towards a Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Maintenance and Management in Nigeria.”  If this was a shooting competition, I would say that the NSE has hit the Bull’s Eye with the theme.
Infrastructure Development, Maintenance and Management lie at the core of the Buhari Administration’s strategy for growing the Nigerian economy, creating jobs and prosperity, and lifting people out of poverty. The stock of infrastructure and the commitment to grow them is the real measure of a Nation’s desire for growth and prosperity.

A Nation cannot grow bigger than the capacity of its infrastructure and President Buhari’s commitment to infrastructure leaves no one in doubt about his desire to rapidly grow Nigeria’s economy. The outline of that infrastructure development is made clear by the fact that the Ministry of Works and Housing is currently managing over 800 contracts for Roads and Bridges covering over 13,000 Kilometres of the 35,000 plus Kilometres of Federal Highways and Bridges.

 In every state of Nigeria today there is either a Road project, a Bridge project or a Housing project or all combined under construction. This is a critical driver for employment of professionals for design, surveys, and construction practitioners.  It also galvanizes other sectors like mining for gravel, sand, laterite, crushed stones to mention a few, while it drives the demand and supply of lubricants like diesel, and oils, as well as bitumen production and supply.

The transport sector is also driven by the need to ferry these inputs across distances from production sites to construction sites by thousands of Trucks employing drivers. At the construction Sites, the urban poor earn their daily living from supply of skilled and unskilled labour by working the materials to finished products. But this is only a small piece of the pie. Design, Construction and Governance account for only about 30% of Jobs in the Built Industry.
It is maintenance and operation that provides 70% of the sustainable jobs long after construction has ended. This is why the Buhari Administration must take the credit for approving the first ever FGN Facility Management and Maintenance policy in March of 2019. Implementation is now bearing fruits with 24 Federal Secretariats now fully rehabilitated and under a facility management contract. Thirty-seven Bridges nationwide are now undergoing maintenance and repairs, some of which have been due for decades.

NSE’s plenary and the theme have therefore struck the right chord. It would therefore be with bated breath that the Ministry of Works and Housing will await the outcome of today’s conversation on how to scale up and deepen what has already started.
In closing I only wish to point one that a significant number of projects such as the Lagos – Ibadan, Enugu – Port Harcourt , Abuja- Kano, Kano- Maiduguri, Enugu- Onitsha, Oyo – Ogbomosho, Ilorin – Jebba, Abeokuta – Ibadan , Calabar – Itu , Second Niger Bridge, Ikom Bridge, Loko – Oweto Bridge, Ibi Bridge and Bamenda – Mfun Bridge, Chanchangi Bridge, Bodo Bonny Bridge and many more, which were recommended for development in the 2013 National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan have now taken off, are progressing, nearing completion or have been completed. The Buhari Government has now commenced the process of developing a new Infrastructure Master Plan up to 2030 and this has progressed significantly. 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I have no doubt in my mind about the positive direction Nigeria’s economy is heading with these investments in Infrastructure. They are the key to reduced journey times, to efficient and competitive productivity arising from the ease of doing business.

I therefore wish you a very engaging and productive deliberations.   

 BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

Jul

07

2021

Off-Grid Power: Efficient Public Service Delivery Will Improve Ease Of Doing Business - Buhari

·      As President commissions 1.52 MWp/2.28 MWh Solar Micro-grid System and Energy retrofitting in FMW&H
·      “This project enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other leading countries of the world”, he says
·      Investment is in consonance with the Buhari Administration’s policy to promote off grid option-Fashola
·      UN Deputy Secretary, Ministers hail FMW&H for leading the way on Off-Grid

President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday commissioned a 1.52 Megawatts Solar Mini-grid System and Energy retrofitting of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja saying the project was in line with his administration’s pursuit of off-grid as its focal policy.

President Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said in addition to policy implementation, the project also enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other countries of the world under the Paris Climate Change Agreement which he signed on behalf of Nigeria.

Recalling that a global resolve to reduce carbon emissions by committing to the use of renewable sources of energy was at the heart of the Paris Agreement, the President declared, “This 1.52 megawatts solar farm which, I am told, is the largest solar project for any public building in Africa, will enable us reduce carbon emission, and it is something to be proud of that we are contributing to saving this planet for future generation”.

“Another reason why I am pleased about this project is the impact of reliable energy on the ability of our public servants housed in these buildings to efficiently discharge their responsibilities to members of the public”, he said adding that as critical enabler of the Private Sector, the improved efficiency in public service delivery should translate to an improvement in the ease of doing business.

The President, who pointed out that ease of doing business “is a major objective of our economic plans to grow the Nigerian economy and create jobs”, further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians.

He disclosed that the Government has just embarked on the competitive procurement of up to 150 Mega Watts of solar power along the Maiduguri axis to help address the issue of electricity supply while enhancing grid stability through the provision of clean renewable energy.

The President commended the Ministers and staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Contractor for the successful delivery of the project which, according to him, “hopefully is jus t the first of many more to be delivered across Nigeria in the public and private sectors”.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said the investment in Mini-Grid by the Ministry was in consonance with the Buhari Administration’s policy to promote off grid option as a way of making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power.

Fashola said, based on the mandate of the Federal Executive Council, which, according to him, gave approval for the project on March 20, 2019, a 1.52 Mega-Watts Solar System has been delivered that would provide uninterrupted power supply to five blocks housing the Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Environment and Lands.

The Minister said in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs, the project also employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration adding that the project would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum.

According to him, such huge reduction in diesel consumption would translate to cost saving of N270,945,000 over 20 years of the life of the system while also contributing towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.

Other deliverables from the project, he said, include the upgrade and retrofitting of the Ministry’s electrical appliances by replacing 400 old Air-conditioning units with 400 new inverter-based energy efficient Air-conditioning units and replacing 2,600 old light fittings with energy efficient LED ones, which according to him “are energy saving because they consume 40 percent less energy.”

In terms of local content, Fashola said the contract has engaged five STEM candidates to work throughout the solar PV lifecycle of the project with two candidates trained in engineering design and another two in project construction while one candidate got trained in engineering project management.

Urging other government agencies to follow the same path, the Minister declared, “With this investment we have built our own Mini-Grid, in consonance with our Administration’s policy to promote off grid option, thereby making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power.

“All I need now say is that other government buildings can follow this path and our team will be most enthusiastic to provide the support, and share our experiences and lessons learned, working with the Ministry of Power”, he said adding that the Ministry of Finance has already indicated interest and the team has begun the energy audit of the Ministry.

He expressed deep appreciation to the contractor, Messrs. EM-ONE Energy Solutions, “for the efficient execution and more importantly for the sacrifice to complete this project in spite of the wide disparity between the foreign exchange rates in 2019 when the project was awarded and now, notwithstanding high importation costs of the parts”.

Fashola also acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Engr. Femi Akinyelure, two young people whom the President appointed to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and who were part of the project at different stages from inception to completion recalling that the two, along with their colleagues, were involved in the energy audit and design of the project.

“They represent the positive impact of youth involvement in public service”, the Minister said as he also commended Engr. Julius Olurinola, the Director of Engineering Services, “whose role I liken to that of a midwife, supervising, monitoring and reporting the progress of this project from incubation to delivery”.

Inviting the President to commission the project, Fashola declared, “I have the pleasure to now invite you Sir, to perform the official commissioning of the 1.52 Mega-Watts Solar Power project to provide uninterrupted power to your staff in the Ministry of Works and Housing and Environment to improve their working conditions”.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, commended the Minister and the Management of the Ministry of Works and Housing for the successful completion of the project noting that it would enable the user Ministries to improve in productivity.

Describing the project as a wonderful achievement, the Minister commended the resilience and diligence of the Ministerial Team led by the Minister in completing the project and urged other Ministries and government agencies to follow suit “in line with Climate Change”.

Also in her goodwill message, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, commended the Minister of Works and Housing for the successful completion of the project pointing out that it is a demonstration of Nigeria’s adherence to the global efforts towards zero emission.

Noting that the installation of Solar energy across the world was creating three times more jobs than the use of fossil fuel, the former Environment Minister added that more countries needed to embrace solar, especially in Africa.

She said the successful completion of the project, aside improving productivity, highlights Nigeria’s development and leadership in the area of renewable energy in the African Continent.

Earlier, in his Welcome address, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, said the successful completion of the project has brought solution to the Ministry’s challenges brought about by the use of fossil fuel.

Jul

06

2021

Speech By His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Commissioning of Solar Power PV Plus Microgrid System and Energy Retrofitting of The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters Mabushi Abuja, Tuesday, 6th July, 2021

PROTOCOLS

I am delighted to perform the virtual commissioning of the 1.5megawatt Solar project that serves the 4 blocks of offices housing the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on one hand and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the other hand, in the Mabushi Area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

2.    This is a project that delivers on so many of our commitments at local and international levels.

3.    For many years and indeed decades, our pursuit of electrical energy solutions have followed a single track of on-grid power, until recently, when off-grid power became a focal policy pursuit of this Administration.

4.    The impact of that policy shift is that access to small scale and off-grid electricity is increasingly becoming available to Nigerians in marketplaces, universities, and business premises as is the case with other parts of the world; and it is therefore pleasing that Government is also taking its own medicine, by building its own off-grid power.  This is a worthy option for other Agencies of Government to consider.

5.    In addition to policy implementation, this project enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other leading countries of the world under the Paris Climate Change Agreement, which I signed on behalf of Nigeria.

6.    At the heart of that Agreement is a global resolve to reduce carbon emissions by committing to the use of renewable sources of energy.

7.    This 1.5megawatt solar farm which I am told is the largest solar project for a public building in Africa, will enable us reduce carbon emissions, and it is something to be proud of that we are contributing to saving this planet for future generation.

8.    Another reason why I am pleased about this project is the impact of reliable energy on the ability of our public servants housed in these buildings to efficiently discharge their responsibilities to the members of the public.

9.    As critical enablers of the private sector, the improved efficiency in public service delivery can only be expected to translate to an improvement in the ease of doing business, which is a major objective of our economic plans to grow the Nigerian economy and create jobs.

10.    I want to reassure you of this administration’s commitment towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians. We have just embarked upon the competitive procurement of up to 150 Mega Watts of Solar power along the Maiduguri axis to help address the issue of electricity supply along that axis, while enhancing grid stability through the provision of clean renewable energy.

11.    I commend the Honourabe Ministers and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and their Contractor for the successful delivery of this project which hopefully is just the first of many more to be delivered across Nigeria in the public and private sectors.

12.    It is now my pleasure to commission this project for improved service delivery, and economic development.

13.    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Jun

28

2021

BRF At 58 : A Return To The Mind’s Infrastructure

By Hakeem Bello

Twelve years ago, in his Year 2010 budget presentation to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, 3 November 2009, as Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, had said, in part, “…while a lot of work has been done in our attempt to bridge the infrastructure gap and a lot of projects, too numerous to mention will be completed before the end of this year and in the first and subsequent quarters of next year such as schools, health facilities, roads, water supply facilities and so much more. We believe that we are now at the most challenging phase of our journey to a bright and rewarding future.

“For too long, we seem to have evolved survival strategies for dealing with chaotic and unplanned living that we now seem afraid to approach orderly living predicated on law and order.

We are at the point where we must build the most enduring infrastructure. This is the infrastructure of the mind. This is the infrastructure that empowers people to seek new levels of excellence that demands new attitudes that commits to greater ideals. We recognise that while the buildings, schools and roads can be easily pulled down and rebuilt, the human mind is the most difficult to rebuild, although it is the most enduring.”

A rigorous enforcement of the law and multi-dimensional public awareness campaigns followed that declaration and characterised the rest of the administration.

Six years into his assignment as a minister responsible for the renewal and expansion of our country’s infrastructure, he had repeatedly stated a fact: there is no state in the country where the Federal Government is not building or rehabilitating a road or bridge or house, or to use a phrase he had used while governing Lagos State, doing “infrastructure catch-up” with population growth.

Progress has certainly been made.

By 21 June 2021, when he made a presentation titled, “The Politics of Economy and the Economy of Politics: Infrastructure Development; the Progressive Way" at the first APC Youth Conference in Abuja, infrastructure deliverables had shot to 895 ongoing Highway and Bridge projects, internal road rehabilitation in 43 federal tertiary institutions, construction of new Federal Secretariats in six states and rehabilitation/maintenance of 24 Federal Secretariats across the country, construction of housing estates under the National Housing Programme in 34 states, rehabilitation of 41 bridges, scheduled maintenance of 5,461.88Km of roads and 8,000KM of Highway maintenance by FERMA, all across the nation while Government established the first ever National Building Maintenance Policy for the country, leading to the creation of the Department of Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) with the Ministry.

Earlier in an interview published in African Business of 6 April 2021, Fashola told the magazine’s Publisher Omar Ben Yedder: “The point to make here is that the outline of the infrastructure commitments of this government are very clear now. The wheels are also turning and what people should expect to see is more developments on the ease of doing business. Infrastructure is very important too for enabling and achieving that.  We’re refurbishing public infrastructure highways, and we are beginning to build our maintenance economy because it is a very important economy that really has not taken off. This is where we will be, this will be a decade of infrastructure renewal and expansion. It will be an exciting space to play.”

Fashola turns 58 today, and the theme of the Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) Gabfest (held yearly in the last five years to commemorate his birthday by discussing the role of the youth in Nigeria’s future) is “Arrive Alive: Building a road towards better driving culture.”

From verifiable data by traffic management authorities, it is becoming clear that with better road infrastructure, motorists now overspeed and are becoming generally less compliant with road safety rules and regulations.
In a recent submission to the Federal Executive Council, Fashola had noted: “Consistently over the years and this data is available, the impact of bad roads and accidents was less than 2%. As big as that may be, it is less than 2%. (Whereas) overspeeding, loss of control, wrongful overtaking cumulate to over 70%.” This is huge.

For Fashola, this cannot be overlooked; the numbers must be drastically brought down.

For him, it is time again to focus on building the infrastructure of our minds.

As he puts it further in that submission “our focus as a government is that we've agreed that the driver has a role to play, starting from education and certification….”

Thankfully, the Federal Government has recently inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council with Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as chair, to “ensure the effective implementation of the Nigerian Road Safety Strategy Version 2, 2021-2030, which centres on a safe system approach to road safety based on global standards,” to quote the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.

Besides education and certification, which will be executed by the Ministries of Education and Information, FRSC, state and local governments, Fashola has noted that installation of road traffic signs and patrol of the highways will be intensified. So also, it is a good development that one of the key elements of the recently signed National Health Act is the development of emergency life support system. As Fashola noted: “Road traffic crashes happen everywhere in the world. The problem is: can you bring it down?  and should a road traffic crash lead to death? So, emergency life support is critical.”

Fashola has, over the years, demonstrated that law and order have a human face and could be imbibed as societal norm through the cross-pollination of education and enlightenment, in addition to effective law enforcement and a transparent justice system.  This means that both those who enforce law and order and the populace among whom they are enforced must come to a clear understanding and agreement as to their necessity in the growth and development of the society.

In 2017, Fashola told the executives of The Guardian Newspapers in an interview. “When failures happen in developed societies, they call them scandals. When the parliamentarians in the United Kingdom were found stealing funds and all that, they called it ‘Political Expenses Scandal’. When Lionel Messi was involved in tax evasion, they called it Tax Evasion Scandal. The reason is that they have focused so much on law and order that non-compliance is the exception. Society is (definitely) scandalized by non-compliance.”

With hope, this 5th edition of BRF Gabfest will come up with ideas and workable solutions on how to build the infrastructure of the minds of motorists and other road users.

Fatalities on our Roads have to be an exception not the Rule.

It is obvious that BRF is scandalized by every single life that is lost to road crashes. GABFEST 5 is a call for action to end it.

Somehow, BRF himself may have thrown up one consideration for the Gabfest participants because just last week while hosting a delegation of the FCT Council of the Scout Association of Nigeria in his office, he spoke very strongly about the urgent need to resuscitate the various youth clubs and associations which formed the building blocks of societal values and ideals in the past such as the Boys Scout Movement, the Girl Guides and the Boys' Brigade.

He told the delegation: “I am particularly enthused to have you here today because you represent a critical building block of society, a block that builds values and morality for young men and women that society seems to have left behind. The block has to be repositioned very urgently as a cornerstone of rebuilding of our nation, as a nation, not only of a high human resource capacity but of a human resource that has the highest value and morality.

Urging the association to work with other affiliates like the Girl Guides and the Boys Brigade, among others, Fashola said that such collaboration was necessary in order to give young people the choice to join noble, moral clubs to expend their energy, to build their optimism and dream great dreams, adding that if those clubs were not available, they would be recruited by other clubs with less noble intentions.

For Fashola, finding practical ways to restore positive values among Nigerians would be the best 58th birthday gift.

●    Mr Hakeem Bello, FNGE, is Special Adviser, Communications to the Hon. Minister

Jun

10

2021

FG Flags-off N62.7bn Construction of Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Federal Highway

The Federal Government has flagged-off the construction work of the 90.65km Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Federal Highway linking Kano and Katsina States, Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Kano.

The contract for the reconstruction of the road to dual carriage way was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in November 2020 at the cost of N62.711b with the completion period of 24 months.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini, in his welcome address stated that the contract was awarded on December 1st, 2020 to Messes CGC Nigeria Limited.

The Permanent Secretary was represented at the flag-off ceremony by Engr Folorunsho Esan, Director Highways (North -West) in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

He explained that the 90.65km dual carriage way has a total number of three bridges, with additional 7.3 meters width and 1.5 meters shoulder width and an outer shoulder width of 2.7meters.

Already the Kano State Government had dualised 7.2km of the road from the Bayero University Kano (BUK) axis. The construction started from the BUK junction and terminated at outskirt of Dayi town in Katsina State.

Hussaini disclosed that the road would be completed with all the furnitures such as lane markings, kilometer signs, signages etc., adding that the road would last not less than 20 years.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described the project as gigantic, important, socially and economically of great benefits to the people of Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The governor also explained that the reconstructed road would also contribute in addressing the security challenges along the area.

Accordingly, Governor Ganduje said that, as requested by the Federal Government, Kano State Government is ready to pay the compensation for the facilities and utilities that would be affected by the dualisation of the road

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for all the projects he brought to Kano State, stating that the President has paid back the Kano people for the massive votes they always give him during elections.

Governor Ganduje listed among others, a number of projects which the Federal Government brought to Kano to include: Maiduguri- Yobe- Kano Road; Kano- Kaduna-Abuja Road, Kano-Katsina Road, Kano- Katsina- Jibia- Maradi rail project, Lagos- Ibadan- Kaduna- Kano rail project and now Kano- Gwarzo- Dayi Road and construction of new wing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

Ganduje told the gathering that, with all the projects, commercial and business opportunities had increased in Kano as well as improved security.

In his remarks, the Senator representing Kano North Senator Barau Jibrin commended the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, Minister of State, Engr Abubakar Aliyu and the Permanent Secretary, Babangida Hussaini.

Senator Barau reminded the gathering that, the project was a promise they made to the people during their campaign tour with the Governor, stating that it was now time to thank God for making it realisable.

Also, the Executive Director of Messes CGC Nigeria Limited, the Construction Company handling the contract, Mr Fan Xiaojing thanked the Federal Government and Kano State for the opportunity given to his company to handle the project, stating that it was an indication that their expertise in handling such project was recognised.

He stated that with the cooperation of all the stakeholders the job would be delivered on scheduled.

Royal fathers of the day that graced the occasion wer:, His Highness the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero and Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Abubay Ii the Emir of Karaye Al in Kano State.

Jun

02

2021

Road Concession: FG Committed to Transparent, Competitive Bidding

The Federal Government has stated that it is committed to a transparent, fair and competitive bidding process for the 12 Pilot Road corridors earmarked for concession through the Value-Added Concession programme under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Project Life Cycle.

This was stated by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini during the official virtual Request for Qualification (RfQ) bid opening ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Ministry, Tuesday, June 1st, 2021.

 The Request for Qualification Bid Opening Ceremony signaled the commencement of the Value-Added Concession Evaluation Exercise.

The Permanent Secretary said, “The Ministry shall ensure that the procurement process is in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) act and approved Public-Private partnership guidelines.”

At the ceremony, the Value-Added Concession online portal was accessed for the first time since the portal was opened to receive submissions in line with existing guidelines. It was revealed that 75 companies successfully responded to the RfQ. The names and representatives of all the companies/consortiums were read out and duly recorded.

Hussaini further explained that every proponent who indicated interest at this Request for Qualification stage and meets the basic prequalification criteria would be shortlisted and subsequently invited for the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

Speaking on the initiative, the Head of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the Ministry, Mrs. Abimbola Asein explained that the Highways Development & Management Initiative was created by the Ministry with the objective to attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximize the use of assets along the right of way.

She explained that the rationale behind the private sector engagement was to provide alternative funding source for road development and management, pointing that the Ministry was working jointly with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (FMFB&NP) amongst other stakeholders to see to the realization of the project.

“The buy-in of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly had been obtained, and the nation is looking forward to a robust procurement process that will attract capable concessionaires that will develop and manage these routes.

The 12 corridors under the first phase of the Highway Development and Management Initiative are: Benin – Asaba, Abuja – Lokoja, Onitsha – Aba – Owerri, Shagamu -Benin, Abuja -Keffi – Akwanga, Kano – Maiduguri, Kano- Katsina, Lokoja – Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ilorin-Jebba, Lagos-Abeokuta, and Lagos-Badagry.

The Ag. Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Micheal Ohiani said that the (ICRC), as a regulatory commission had issued a Certificate of Compliance to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the procurement process of the Value-Added concession under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

He assured participants of his commission’s role in ensuring transparency in the process pointing out that the initiative would develop Nigeria's network of federal highway corridors and boost economic development along the Right of Way.

Mrs. Shulee John-Mark, representative of NGO-Network who witnessed the process described it as transparent and credible. Over 170 other stakeholders also participated in the bid opening ceremony virtually.